Daily Thrifty Tips - August 23, 2007

I hope everyone is having a great week. There have been some recalls recently of toys with lead paint and we haven't had a chance to get them on the website yet. Please go here to view the most recent recalls, especially if you have young children:

• http://www.cpsc.gov/

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Shower Cake For Baby Shower

This is the 14 inch cake I made for my daughter's baby shower! The shower is made with a candle and a fluted pastry tin. The bath tub and bubbles were made out of fondant. The baby's head is a styrofoam ball covered with flesh tinted fondant. My friend Bobbie, made waxed diapers out of square pieces of pink fabric to hold the baby bootie butter cream mints I made.

I love cooking and baking for family and friends!

By Michelle from Lanett, AL

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(Billy Goat) Gruff

(Billy Goat) Gruff was born on August 2, 2007. He is a newborn Pygmy/Fainting Goat. Snap the Pygmy mom finally had her kid on Thursday. Gruff loves to jump and play already. Snap had her baby and we were out of town camping. I made a special trip home to see the little fellow. He is so cute and doing very well.

By Esther from Plainfield, Ohio

Here is the previous post about Gruff's parents:

• George and Snap (Pygmy, Fainting Goats)

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Daughter's Birthday Quilt

I made a special quilt for my daughter birthday. I made this quilt design myself.

I cut 8x8 inch squares, 88 squares in all, to fit a twin size bed. I sew 1/4 inch to each square to make 8 rows across. I made 12 rows in all. Then I added the rows together.

I then made pinwheel applique and added the yo-yo from a flower in the middle of the pinwheel. I then made the outside border from scrap left over from the quilt. I cut 3 inch strips, sewed them together and attached to quilt.

I cut the backing of the quilt much larger from the top quilt, about 1 inch more.

Finally I added the twin size quilt batting between the top layer and bottom layer of the quilt, forming a sandwich. I pinned all of the quilt top (or baste) and then I rolled the edge of the quilt, pinned and sewed 1/4 inch on all four areas of the quilt.

I finally finished adding the yo-yo's to the pinwheels. The pillow case is reversible as well and I added a bed skirt with the same blocks. I measured all corners of her bed and voila!, this is her birthday quilt set from Mom.

By Maria from Somerville, MA

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Decoupaged Mirrors

Buy the framed mirrors at IKEA and decorate. I usually use thin paper such as paper napkins but recently I have started using thin, silk scarves for a somewhat unusual look. These are very easy and inexpensive to make and they are wonderful, homemade gifts for friends and family.

By Lisa from Thessaloniki, Greece

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Reheating Bread, Pizza and Rolls in the Microwave

When reheating bread that has been refrigerated, put in the microwave with a cup of water. It saves pizza, pancakes, muffins and bread from getting dried out or rubbery.

By Kelly from Largo, FL

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Finder Fee For Auto Dealer Referrals

I'm not sure if most people know this or not, but this is a tip if you buy your new vehicle from a dealership. Afterwards, send your friends and/or family members to the same dealership and salesman and have them purchase a vehicle. If they tell the salesman that you'd sent them and that you'd bought a vehicle from them, there's usually a "finders fee" for you, for referring new buyers. Be sure to get some business cards from the vehicle salesman.

By Terri H from NV

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Watch Out For Vinyl Bibs From China

I just read in the newspaper that some vinyl bibs from Toys R Us were being recalled because some of them had too much lead. Made in China. It's possible that some of the bibs ended up at other stores under different labels. Lead can lead to all sorts of permanent problems for children. Please call the store or go on the internet for details.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Getting Kids Ready For Back To School

Here are some tips for getting kids ready for back to school.

• Start putting the kids to bed earlier every night so that by the time school starts they are used to a school time bedtime.

• Take them to the school for orientation, especially if they are just starting school or going to a new school.

• Get your school shopping done early both for clothes and supplies so it doesn't have to be so hectic.

• Have one last summer splurge even if it's something simple. Let them enjoy the end of summer.

• Find out what the school rules are on dress codes before you go shopping. Also talk to your children and set rules about what types of clothes they are allowed to wear before hand so it's understood. Also tell them what their budget for school clothes will be. If you are used to picking out their clothes, let them pick out one or two items that they really like and you can agree on.

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Staying in One Place Saves Money

I have joked that for a penny pincher staying in one place is a way to save money! But it's true that moving is a costly business. So think twice before re-locating! For all the fact that we like to travel, my whole family has always liked a settled HOME. There is nothing like continuity - it's so reassuring. (And in places with rent-control is sure makes SENSE to stay put.)

By pamphyila from Los Angeles. CA

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Great Photo Storage Trick

I store my daughter's 8 x 10 inch school portraits in the same frame, with the latest one on top. Every year, when we put the new photo in, we lay out all the old ones and compare hairstyles, additions of braces or glasses, etc. By the time she finishes high school, there will be 12 years of photos and I won't have to hunt for them!

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Extra Toliet Paper Stored on Plunger Handle

The extra toilet paper was never close enough to get to it when needed. I took 3 rolls and put them on the plunger handle. The plunger has an inexpensive cover. It sure has come in handy and it does double duty.

By Jamish from Ransom, KS

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Ease the Kitchen Clean-up

On days when the family is home, keep a dish pan of soapy water in the sink. As family members use plates and glasses throughout the day, give them a quick wash in the soapy water and rinse under the faucet. Better yet, have family members wash what they use themselves!

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Babysitting Advice For 13 Year Old

My daughter (13 yrs. old) is babysitting for the first time this Sat. for our next door neighbor. I have given her the usual "do's & don't's", i.e. play games with the child, don't spend your time talking to your friends on the phone, and of course the safety issues. (The child is 7) I was wondering if anyone had some other suggestions for her? Thanks!!

Marnita from Cumming

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Dealing with Misunderstandings When Outspoken

ThriftyFun Friends (for I feel you are),

I'm hoping to get some good advice from you about my situation. I go to a small but growing church and am very happy there. It is a very loving group of people.

Last night I really "blew it". Some of our ladies meet every third Friday evening to do scrapbooking together. One of our younger women is quite obese. She has always been very sweet and friendly. I am older (65) and sometimes too outspoken. Early in our conversation last night she mentioned having a headache. I asked if it was her time of the month. She said she only has about three a year. Instead of asking her why, I asked if it was due to her weight. I don't even remember her answer. Next mistake; She uses God's name very loosely a lot of the time and this disturbs me. As she was talking I mentioned it disturbed me to hear her using God's name so loosely and I didn't feel it was pleasing to Him.--BIG MISTAKE!

She flew into a rage, and in no uncertain terms told me to mind my own business and just because I was old didn't give me the right to talk to her that way. I immediately apologized, but she would have none of it. She said I called her fat. When I said that's not what I said or even meant, she still was angry. I apologized several times, but she put her things away and left early saying she didn't have to take that from me.

Now, any suggestions would be welcome. I don't want to let this fester. It will be awkward going to church Sunday, because we always greet each other with a hug. I'm not sure if I should wait and let her make the next move or send her another apology via email or try and approach her Sunday. That could be real awkward if she hasn't forgiven me. The whole church (since it is so small) would hear the whole thing.
HELP, HELP, HELP!

Judy in Alabama

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Can I store Beanie Babies in space bags?

Can I store Beanie Babies in space bags?

Dianne from NC

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Looking For a Used Laundry Cupboard

Hello I am looking for a used laundry cupboard. Can anyone help me out with finding one? Thanks.

Erma Fink from Trail, British Columbia

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Recipes For Peeled Lychees

Does any have any recipes for canned lychees? I have a can of peeled lychees, and I am not sure what to do with it.

monnat96 from Arlington Heights,IL

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Removing Mold from Curtains

How do I remove mold from Curtains?

Thanks,
Jan from AK

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X-Large Mans Thong Pattern

I need a paper pattern for a x-large man's thong.

Diana

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Printable Homemade Bread Tags

I am looking for printable homemade bread gift tags to attach to the twist tie on my homemade bread I give to my family and friends.

Jose from Tennessee

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml